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Soliton self-frequency shift in highly nonlinear fiber with extension by external Raman pumping
1Femtosecond Optics Group, Department of Physics, Imperial College London, Prince Consort Road, London SW7 2BW, UK. david.chestnut@imperial.ac.uk
Optics Letters
|December 24, 2003
Summary
A novel fiber-integrated laser source generates tunable subpicosecond pulses using soliton self-frequency shift. This technology enables wavelength tuning up to 1.72 microm for advanced optical applications.
Area of Science:
- Photonics
- Nonlinear Optics
- Fiber Optics
Background:
- Subpicosecond pulse generation is crucial for high-speed optical communications and spectroscopy.
- Existing methods often require complex setups or lack wavelength tunability.
- Highly nonlinear fibers offer potential for advanced pulse shaping and wavelength control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate a completely fiber-integrated, wavelength-tunable subpicosecond pulse source.
- To explore the soliton self-frequency shift (SSFS) in highly nonlinear dispersion-shifted fiber (HNL-DSF).
- To achieve tunable output wavelengths beyond the initial signal wavelength.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a 1.56-microm, 10-GHz, 400-fs signal laser.
- Employed highly nonlinear dispersion-shifted fiber to induce soliton self-frequency shift.
- Incorporated Raman gain from an external pump to extend wavelength tuning.
Main Results:
- Achieved a completely fiber-integrated, wavelength-tunable subpicosecond pulse source.
- Demonstrated tunable output wavelengths up to 1.72 microm.
- Obtained solitons as short as 100 fs through controlled SSFS.
Conclusions:
- The demonstrated fiber laser source offers a compact and versatile platform for generating tunable ultrashort pulses.
- Soliton self-frequency shift in HNL-DSF is an effective mechanism for wavelength tuning.
- External Raman gain further enhances the tunability range for potential applications in optical sensing and communications.
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